2016 Jeep Compass

Like its Sibling, the Patriot, the Compass also seems to be “driving on a thin line”. Like the Patriot, the Compass lacks a host of safety and technologies. However, the two vehicles have managed maintain good sales year in year out, perhaps due to the Jeep nametag. For 2016, Jeep has tried to upgrade the Compass with some new features inside and outside. Despite its shortcomings, the 2016 Jeep Compass is an attractive option for a buyer looking for a bargain-priced crossover that can veer off to the off-roads occasionally.

According to reports, the Compass will be replaced next year. This was the reason behind the automaker’s decision to omit the Compass Limited trim from the lineup. To make the Compass more appealing, the automaker has adopted some styling cues from the Grand Cherokee. Read along to find out more:

2016 Jeep Compass Exterior and Interior

After the omission of the Limited trim, the Compass is now offered in Sport and Latitude trim levels. The Compass accommodates five passengers. Standard features include cloth upholstery on the seats, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, hand-crank windows, illuminated cupholders, air conditioning, cruise control and heated power-folding mirrors.

Other features include Bluetooth connectivity and a four-speaker sound system that features satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. The model rides on 16-inch alloy wheels with an option for 17-inchers with AWD. The Sport trim also features cruise control, hill-start assist and fog lights. Opting for the Sport SE package you get heated cloth-mesh front seats, a steering wheel wrapped in leather with integrated audio controls, roof rails, a chrome exhaust tip and 18-inch alloy wheels. A Sport SE badge is also offered to differentiate it from the base Sport trim.

Opting for the Latitude trim, you get most of the SE package features. In addition, you get automatic headlights, an adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, power windows and power door locks, a 60/40 reclining rear seats, keyless entry and ignition as well as a 115-volt power socket. For more equipment, you can order your Compass with the High Altitude package which adds leather upholstery on seats, a power sunroof, and a 6-way power adjusted driver’s seat. Models with the package ride on 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-season tires.

While the Freedom Drive I AWD system has all-season reassurance for paved terrain, you will need to go for the Freedom Drive II if you will be driving on off-road terrain regularly.

Standalone options include a USB port, a touch-screen display screen featuring digital music storage, a sunroof, a navigation system, and a rearview camera. For the audiophiles, there is an option for a 9-speaker Premium Group sound system featuring two flip-down speakers on the tailgate.

For safety, the Compass features anti-lock brakes along with four-wheel discs on AWD models. FWD models feature rear drums. Other safety features include stability control and a well equipped package of airbags.

Engine Specs and performance

The base Compass will be motivated by a 2.0 L, 4-cylinder powerplant which is good for 158 hp and 141 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT system. With the 5-speed manual gearbox, the Compass returns 23 mpg in city and 30 mpg on highway drives. With a CVT, the model returns 22 mpg in city and 26 mpg on highway drives. This engine is only offered in FWD.

The second mill is a 2.4 L, 4-cylinder mill which produces 172 horses and 165 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, a 6-speed automatic transmission or a CVT system. This engine will be offered in both FWD and AWD drive modes. With a manual and FWD, the model returns 23 mpg in city and 29 mpg on highway , 21 mpg city and 28 mpg on highway with FWD and automatic transmission. AWD with a manual transmission returns 20 mpg in city and 26 mpg on highway.

Opting for AWD with automatic transmission and Freedom Drive I returns 20 mpg in city and 26 mpg on highway while AWD with CVT and Freedom Drive II w/Off-Road package returns 20 mpg in city and 23 mpg on highway drives.The Compass has a maximum towing capacity of 2000 lbs.

Price and release date

The 2016 Jeep Compass base Sport trim has a starting price of $20,590 while the Latitude trim starts at MSRP $24,890. Opting for extras can take the price to over $24,890.

Competition

The 2016 Jeep Compass competes with the likes of Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape and Honda CR-V. These models are more equipped and slightly more expensive than the Compass.